High temperature belt link construction

ABSTRACT

A high temperature conveyor belt, and a belt link for use therein, of the type used in heat treat furnaces in which excessive deformation of the link, with consequent interference in flexing action, and premature failure due to shrinkage defects is substantially eliminated by use of a protuberance within the link which limits link deformation and ensures internally sound metal.

United States Patent [191 Fahrenwald [111 3,824,868 1451 July 23, 1974HIGH TEMPERATURE BELT LINK CONSTRUCTION [75] Inventor: Francis M.Fahrenwald, Chicago,

Ill.

[73] Assignee: The Fahralloy Company, Harvey, [11.

[22] Filed: .May 7, 1973 [21] App]. No.1 357,546

[52] US. Cl. 74/235 [51] Int. Cl. F16g 12/40 [58] Field of Search74/235, 250 R, 250 C I [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS1,243,537 1 10/1917 Lynn ,L 74/235 Matsumoto 74/235 6/1927 Cavanaugh74/235 1,631,580 1,907,636 5/1933 Woodman 74/235 2,229,106 l/l94lLomando 74/250 R- Primary Examiner-Leonard l-I. Gerin Attorney, Agent,or Firm-James G. Staples 57 ABSTRACT A high temperature conveyor belt,and a belt link for use therein, of the type used in heat treat furnacesin which excessive deformation of the link, with consequent interferencein flexing action, and premature failure due to shrinkage defects issubstantially eliminated by use of a protuberance within the link whichlimits link deformation and ensures internally sound metal.

14 Claims, 10Drawing Figures HIGH TEMPERATURE BELT LINK CONSTRUCTIONBACKGROUND OF TI-IEINVENTION This invention relates to an improved castpart which is utilized under high temperature and high stressconditions, and specifically to a high temperature con veyor belt, and alink therefor, of the type used in heat treat urnaces-.7, A conveyorbelt link widely used in heat treat furnaces today generally includes anelongated, open interior formed by two straps, an upper strap portionand a lower strap portion, which are joined at their ends by arcuate endor journal portions. Generally the upper strap portion has an expandedmid portion. The links are so constructed and arranged that byinterfitting one with another a substantially flat load carrying area isprovided. The interfitted links are secured one to another by pinspassing through overlapped ends of adjacent links. The pins provideflexibility to the moving platform formed by the links as they traversefirst a planar section through the furnace and then an arcuate sectionduring their passage along an endless, orbital path. V

A problem of particular concern to the manufacturer and user of suchheat treat furnace conveyors is the tendency of the belt links to deformin use, sin such conveyors are oftensubjected to temperatures in therange of l650-l800F while carrying substantial loads. It will beunderstood that at these temperatures the individual links aresemi-plastic. Excessive bowing or bending can seriously interfere withthe operation of the conveyor since the deformation can be so great asto pinch the connecting pins which join one link to another and therebyinterfere with the action of the conveyor.

A common way of strengthening the link to avoid this problem is toconnect the top and bottom strap portions by an integrally cast post.However, in the casting process a shrinkage void tends to form at thejunctures of the post and straps.

As those skilled in the art appreciate, shrinkage within a casting suchas the above described link is a highly undesirable condition. Theshrinkage results from the fact that the metal in the shrinkage zone isthe last to freeze, and, during the shrinkage process, a void results.The shrinkage void is an undesirable condition since first, the metalsurrounding the shrinkage zone has a different, and generally'inferior,chemistry than the first frozen metal and, secondly, the metal in theshrinkage zone consists of dendritic needles, the intersection of whichform excellent stress raisers. As a consequence the foundryman seeks toeliminate orat least minimize shrinkage wherever possiblexl-lowever, tothe present time, belt links of the type above described .have, almostinvariably, included undesirable shrinkage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, a primary object of the inventionis to provide a high temperature conveyor belt, and a con veyorbelt linkfor use therein, which overcomes the deficiencies of structurescurrentlyin use.

Another object is to providefahigh'temperature conveyor belt link inwhich shrinkage flaws are eliminated or substantially minimized.

Yet another object is to provide a high temperature conveyor belt linkin which the condition of pinching of the connecting pins due toexcessive bending or other deformation of the link is precluded.

A further object is to provide a high temperature conveyor belt link asabove described in which an effective cleaning action can be imparted tosaid link as it passes over an end pulley in a conveyor furnace.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent fromreading the following description thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF VIEWS The invention is illustrated more or lessdiagrammatically in the accompanying Figures wherein:

FIG. 1 is an elevation view. of a high temperature conveyor belt link ofthe invention;

FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view with a portion broken away of the hightemperature conveyor belt link of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial view of a high temperature conveyor beltinstallation, with parts in section and others broken away, illustratinguse of a high temperature conveyor belt of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an elevation view of another embodiment of the hightemperature conveyor belt link of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the high temperature conveyor belt link ofFIG. 4',

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a portion of a shell mold layout used inthe production of the high temperature conveyor belt link of theinvention;

FIG. 7 is an end view with portions of the link and the shell moldomitted for clarity taken substantially along the line 7-7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a partial view of a high temperature conveyor beltinstallation, with parts in section and others broken away, illustratingthe high temperature conveyor belt of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a top view of a prior art link, showing its condition after aperiod of use; and

FIG. 10 is another view of the prior art link of FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Like reference numerals will be used to refer tolike parts throughout the following description of the Figures.

A high temperature conveyor belt link is indicated generally at 10 inFIGS. 1 and 2. The link includes an upper strap portion 11 and a bottomstrap portion 12, the upper and lower strap portions 11 and 12 beingconnected by generally arcuately shaped end or journal portions 13 and14.

Upper strap portion 11 includes an expanded mid portion 15 which isslightly upwardly bowed in vertical elevation as best seen in FIG. 1,and generally rectangular in horizontal outline as best seen in FIG. 2.Appropriate edges may be chamfered as desired as indicated at 16, forexample.

Connecting pins are indicated generally at 17 and 18. Each pin isarranged to connect a leading link, such as link 10, to a trailing link,suchas link 19, when it is desired to forma conveyor composed of saidlinks, such as an endless, orbitally moveable conveyor belt of the typeindicatedat 20 in FIG. 3.

A protuberance 22 extends inwardly from the under surface 23 of upperstrap portion 11, as best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2. As best seen from FIG.1, the protuberance terminates a short distance from the inner surface25 of lower strap portion 12. In a link having a 4 inch pitch, that is a4 inch span between the center axes of pins 17 and 18, and a nominalinch spacing between the upper and lower strap portions, theprotuberance may extend to within about 4 inch from inner surface 25. Asbest seen from FIGS. 1 and 2, the protuberance 22 may be described as around post which terminates short of the opposite strap portion. Theprotuberance 22 should be of substantial volume and properly located inorder to ensure the absence of shrinkage in the upper strap or theprotuberance.

One type of conveyor with which the invention may be employed ispartially indicated in FIG. 3, the section illustrated being the drivedrum 27, which rotates on shaft 28 in the direction indicated bythe'arrow. It will be understood that drive drum 27, or at least theright end portion of it, will usually be located at the discharge end ofthe heat treat furnace. v

The conveyor consists, in this instance, of a large number of individualbelt links 10, a, 10b, 10c, 10d, which have been secured one to anotherby suitable connecting means, such as pins 17, 18. In FIG. 3 theindividual belt links are indicated in the position they will assumeafter long exposure, such as two years or longer, to the hightemperature furnace with which they are used; that is, the lower strapportion 12 will have been deformed or bowed inwardly to substantiallythe' position indicated at 26 in FIG. 1, in which the upper surface 25of the lower strap portion of the link contacts the lower surface ofprotuberance 22. If the conveyor belt link is subjected to considerablestress at high temperatures for prolonged periods, there may be somedeformation of the upper strap portion of the link to the positionindicated at 30. In this event there may be a slightly furtherdeformation of the lower strap portion.

A cleaning mechanism is indicated generally at 31. The cleaningmechanism, here a scraper device, is so positioned that it willyieldably contact and scrape clean the upper load receiving surface ofthe link after a part which has been supported thereon is discharged, asby gravity, which in this instance will have occurred about the timeeach link reaches the position of link 10a.

It will be understood that sand, dross, and other particulate matter mayaccumulate on the carrying surface of the link, and in view of theelevated temperatures to which the links are exposed and the semi-solidcondition of both the links and the treated parts due to the elevatedtemperatures, it is always possible that such v particulate matters maybe picked up by subsequently treated parts. j

Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 4-8.

In this embodiment a high temperature conveyor belt link is indicatedgenerally at '40 in FIGS. 4, 5, and 7. The link includes an upper strapportion 41 and a bot tom strap portion 42, the upper and lower strapportions 41 and 42 being connected by generally arcuately shaped end orjournal portions 43 and 44. In this embodiment it will be noted that thelink is initially flat as contrasted to the upwardly bowed surface oflink 10 of FIG. 1. It should be understood however that the link ofFIGS. 4 and 5 may, if desired, also be formed with an initially upwardlybowed contour; likewise the post type link of FIGS. 1 and 2 may, ifdesired, be formed with an initially flat contour.

Upper strap portion 41 includes an expanded mid portion 45 which isgenerally rectangular in outline, as best visualized from FIGS. 5 and 7.Appropriate edges may be chamfered as desired as indicated at 46, forexample.

Connecting pins are indicated generally at 17 and 18. Each pin isarranged to connect a leading link, such as link 40, to a trailing link,such as link 49, when it is desired to form a conveyor composed of saidlinks, such as an endless, orbitally movable conveyor belt of the typeindicated at in FIG. 8.

A protuberance 52 extends inwardly from the under surface 53 of upperstrap portion 41 as best seen in FIGS. 4, 5 and 7. As best seen fromFIG. 4, the protuberance terminates a short distance from the innersurface 55 of lower strap portion 42. In a link having a 4 inch pitch,the protuberance 52, like protuberance/22 of FIG. 4, may extend towithin about a /4, inch from inner surface 55. As best seenfrom FIGS.4-6, the protuberance 52 is longitudinally oriented; that is, its majorlength axis lies in a direction parallel to the direction of movement ofthe belt link in operation. The protuberance 52 should be of substantialvolume and properly located in order to ensure the absence of shrinkagein the upper strap or the protuberance. The volume representedapproximately by the configuration shown in the drawing wherein theprotuberance is approximately one-third the length of the major axis ofthe belt link will be satisfactory. In this instance the verticalelevation of the protuberance (as viewed in FIGS. 4 and 6-8) issubstantially rectangular in side outline.

As best seen in FIG. 6, the conveyor belt link is most economicallymanufactured by the shell molding process wherein a single runner andtwo gates simultaneously feed two castings. The runner is indicatedgenerally at 57 and the gates at 58, 59. After shake out, the runner andgate sections will be separated from the final casting along severancelines 60, 61 respectively. The cross section configuration of the gates58, 59 may vary from installation to installation. It will be noted thatgates 58,59 are located on the exterior surface of upper strap portion41 substantially opposite the interior protuberances 51, 52 as best seenin FIG. 6.

The shrinkage characteristics of the link are best seen in FIGS. 4 and7, and FIG. 7 particularly, where the shrinkage associated with theupper strap portion is indicated at 63 in runner 57. Due to theplacement of gate 59 substantially directly opposite protuberance 52,the shrinkage will be formed in gate 57 rather than in the protuberance51 or upper strap portion 41. The shrinkage in lower strap portion 55will be minor and practically harmless, due to the thinness of thesection and, for purposes of illustration, is indicated somewhatdiagrammatically by the line 64.

The conveyor with which this embodiment is used consists, in thisinstance, of a large number of individual belt links 40a similar to beltlink 40 which have been secured one to another. by suitable connectingmeans, such as the pins 17, 18. In FIG. 8 the individual belt links areindicated in the position they will assume after long exposure, such astwo years or longer, to the high temperature furnace with which they areused; that is, the lower strap portion 42 will have been deformed orbowed inwardly to substantially the position indicated at 42a in FIG. 4,in which the upper surface 55 of the link contacts the lower surface ofprotuberance 52. If the conveyor belt link is subjected to considerablestress at high temperatures for prolonged periods, there may be somedeformation of the upper strap portion of the link to the positionindicated at 41a; In this event there may be a slightly furtherdeformation of the lower strap portion.

One advantage of the illustrated constructions is that the protuberances22 or 52 strengthen the upper strap 11 or 41 to a marked degree. Forexample, a prior art link which did not have rib 52 had a sectionalmodulus of .0123, whereas the same link with rib 52 added had asectional modulus of .0334, which represents a 143 percent increase instrength of this member.

In the production of the belt link of the invention, a shell moldassembly 68 is formed having a runner 57 feeding two cavities forindividual links through gates 58 and 57. Hot metal poured into the moldwill produce an interiorly sound casting since the shrinkage will besubstantially as shown in FIG. 7 wherein the runner 57 functions as ahot metal storage reservoir feeding into the cast link as solidificationproceeds.

In use individual lengths are connected one to another as by connectingpin 17 to form a substantially flat load bearing surface adapted toreceive and support loads, such as crankshafts, in a heat treat furnace.

By suitable proportioning of parts, as by making expanded mid portion 45exactly twice the width of arcuate end portions 43 and 44, asubstantially continuous surface area can be provided.

As the conveyor belt moves through the furnace,

I which may, for example, be-in the temperature range of anywhere fromabout 1650F to 1850F for from about 3 hours to 1% hours, the individualbeltlinks will become semi-plastic. If relatively heavy loads aresupported there may be a gradual squeezing or bowing of the upper andlower strap portions 11, 41 and 12, 42 as indicated by thedeformedpositions 11a, 41a and 12a, 42a of FIGS. 1 and 4, and this condition maybe accentuated when the links come into contact with, and pass around,the curved surface of drive drum 27.

necting pins 17 and 18 would be pinched, and opera-- tion therebyhindered, is prevented by protuberances 22 or 52, which serve as anabutment beyond which lower strap portions 12a, 42a cannot deform.,Aswill be noted from the deformed positions of FIGS. 1 and 4, even in thismaximum deformed condition there is still ample clearance forconnectingpins '17, 18 whereby malfunction of the conveyor due topinching of the pins is eliminated.

It will also be noted that thesubstantiallyelongated configuration ofprotuberances -22 or 52, and their placement in generally coextensiverelationship with gate 59 substantially eliminates any shrinkage inupper strap portion 11 or 41. What shrinkage does occur will occur inrunner 57 with the result that upper strap portion 11 or 41 will besound and free of defects. The hairline shrinkage 34 or 64 occurring inlower strap portion 12 or 42 will be of an insufficient nature to hinderperformance of the link, as those skilled in the art will appreciate.

FIGS. 9 and 10 have been included for purposes of comparison. In theprior art structure of FIGS. 9 and 10 there is shown a small round post71, which extends from upper strap 72 to lower strap 73, and is used toprevent closure of the end or journal portions of the link. However, theuseful life of the link is considerably shorter than the useful life ofthe new link of this application due to corrosion failure of the post.Specifically, since this casting can only be fed economically from oneside, shrinkage will occur between the post 71 and the strap associatedwith the non-gated side (here, strap 72), as represented for example bythe irregular cavities 76, 78 in top surface 77 and bottom surface 79respectively, of strap 72. The presence of the shrinkage cavities withthe accompanying deleterious features mentioned earlier results in theillustrated corrosion failures. In some instances the presence of thepost may do more harm than good since, if a shrinkage hole open to thefurnace atmosphere is present when the casting is new, a focal point forrapid corrosion has been provided.

Although a preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustratedand described it will at once be apparent to those skilled in the artthat further modifica-' tions may be made within the spirit and scope ofthe invention. For example although a cylindrical and an elongated,generally rectangular protuberance have been illustrated and describedin detail, other shapes, such as triangular, or other dispositions, suchas transverse,,may be used. It is essential however that theprotuberance, irrespective of its shape and/or location, terminate shortof contact with the strap portion opposite the strap portion from whichit extends. Accordingly the invention is not to be limited to the exactdisclosure shown; rather, the scope of the invention is to be determinedfrom the hereinafter appended claims when interpreted in light of thepertinent prior art.

I claim:

1. A high temperature conveyorbelt link, said belt link including anupper'strap portion, and

a lower strap portion,

said upper and lower strap portions being connected by generally arcuateshaped journal portions to define an open interior, I r

said upper strap portion having an upper surface constructed andarranged to receive and support loads placed thereon,

said belt link being adapted to receive common connecting means, such asa link pin, at its end por tions whereby a plurality of similar beltlinks can be connected one to the other to form a combined as--semblage, and

means for preventing deformation of a bottom strap portion with respectto the top strap portion to a degree sufficient to hinder operationof'the connection means,

said deformation preventing means including a protuberance extendinginto the interior of said belt link from one of said strap'portions,

said protuberance terminating, initially, short of contact with theother strap portion, but extending a distance sufficient to precludebinding of said connecting means when said other strap portion deformsduring use to a point at which it contacts 7 said protuberance.

2. The high temperature conveyor belt link of claim 1 furthercharacterized in that said protuberance is substantially circular incross section. 3. The high temperature conveyor belt link of claimfurther characterized in that said upper strap portion has an initiallyupwardly bowed configuration. 4. The high temperature conveyor belt linkof claim 1' further characterized in that the protuberance is locatedsubstantially mid-way between the sides of the associated strap portion,whereby a substantially centrally located gating area is available onthe surface of the strap portion opposite the surface from which theprotuberance extends. 5. In a hightemperature conveyor belt, a pluralityof conveyor belt links, each of said individual belt links having anupper strap portion and a lower strap portion, said upper and lowerstrap portions being connected by generally arcuate shaped journalportions to define an open interior, said upper strap portion having anupper surface constructed and arranged to receive and support loadsplaced thereon, each belt link being adapted to receive commonconnecting means, such as a link pin, at its end portions whereby aplurality of similar'belt links can be connected one to the other toform a combined assemblage, and 7 means for preventing deformation of abottom strap portion with respect to the top strap portion to a degreesufficient to preclude interference with operation of the connectingmeans, said means comprising a protuberance extending into the interiorof said belt link from the under surface of one of said strap portions,said protuberance terminating, initially, short of contact with theother strap portion, but extending a distance sufficient to precludebinding ofsaid connecting means when said other strap portion deformsduring use to a point at which it contacts said protuberance.

6. The high temperature conveyor belt of claim 5 further characterizedin that said protuberance is substantially circular in cross said upperstrap portion having an upper surface constructed and arranged toreceive and support loads placed thereon,

said belt link being adapted to receive common connecting means, such asa link pin, at its end portions whereby a plurality of similar beltlinks can be connected one to the other to form a combined assemblage,and I means for preventing deformation of a bottom strap portion withrespect to the top strap portion to a degree sufficient to hinderoperation of the connecting means,

said deformation preventing means including a protuberance which iselongated in a direction parallel to a line extending between thejournal portions of the link integrally formed with and extending fromone of said strap portions into the interior of said belt link towardthe other of said strap portions,

said protuberance terminating, initially, short of contact with theother strap portion, but extending toward said other strap portion adistance sufficient to preclude binding of said connecting means whensaid other strap portion deforms during use to a point at which itcontacts said protuberance.

8. The high temperature conveyor belt link of claim 7 furthercharacterized in that the length of said protuberance is approximatelyonethird the length of the major axis of the belt link.

9. The high temperature conveyor belt link of claim 8 furthercharacterized in that said protuberance is substantially rectangular incross section. 10. The high temperature conveyor belt link of claim 8further characterized in that said protuberance extends from the innersurface of said upper strap portion towards the inner surface of thebottom strap portion to a point closely spaced from said inner surfaceof said lower strap portion. 11. The high temperature conveyor belt linkof claim 7 further characterized in that the protuberance is locatedsubstantially mid-way between the sides of the associated strap portion,whereby a substantially centrally located gating area is available onthe surface of the strap portion opposite the surface from which theprotuberance extends. 12. In a high temperature conveyor belt, aplurality of conveyor belt links, each of said individual belt linkshaving an upper strap portion, and a lower strap portion, said upper andlower strap portions being connected by generally arcuate shaped journalportions to define an open interior, said upper strap portion having anupper surface constructed and arranged to receive and support loadsplaced thereon,

each belt link being adapted to receive common connecting means, suchasa link pin, at its end portions whereby a plurality of similar beltlinks can be connected one to the other to form a combined assemblage,

means for preventing deformation of a bottom strap portion with respectto the top strap portion to a further characterized in that saidprotuberance is substantially longer in one direction than in atransverse direction in section. 14. The high temperature conveyor beltof claim 13 further characterized in that said protuberance issubstantially rectangular in cross section and extends from the innersurface of said upper strap portion towards the inner surface of thebottom strap portion to a point closely spaced from said inner surfaceof said lower strap portion.

1. A high temperature conveyor belt link, said belt link including anupper strap portion, and a lower strap portion, said upper and lowerstrap portions being connected by generally arcuate shaped journalportions to define an open interior, said upper strap portion having anupper surface constructed and arranged to receive and support loadsplaced thereon, said belt link being adapted to receive commonconnecting means, such as a link pin, at its end portions whereby aplurality of similar belt links can be connected one to the other toform a combined assemblage, and means for preventing deformation of abottom strap portion with respect to the top strap portion to a degreesufficient to hinder operation of the connection means, said deformationpreventing means including a protuberance extending into the interior ofsaid belt link from one of said strap portions, said protuberanceterminating, initially, short of contact with the other strap portion,but extending a distance sufficient to preclude binding of saidconnecting means when said other strap portion deforms during use to apoint at which it contacts said protuberance.
 2. The high temperatureconveyor belt link of claim 1 further characterized in that saidprotuberance is substantially circular in cross section.
 3. The hightemperature conveyor belt link of claim 1 further characterized in thatsaid upper strap portion has an initially upwardly bowed configuration.4. The high temperature conveyor belt link of claim 1 furthercharacterized in that the protuberance is located substantially mid-waybetween the sides of the associated strap portion, whereby asubstantially centrally located gating area is available on the surfaceof the strap portion opposite the surface from which the protuberanceextends.
 5. In a high temperature conveyor belt, a plurality of conveyorbelt links, each of said individual belt links having an upper strapportion and a lower strap portion, said upper and lower strap portionsbeing connected by generally arcuate shaped journal portions to definean open interior, said upper strap portion having an upper surfaceconstructed and arranged to receive and support loads placed thereon,each belt link being adapted to receive common connecting means, such asa link pin, at its end portions whereby a plurality of similar beltlinks can be connected one to the other to form a combined assemblage,and means for preventing deformation of a bottom strap portion withrespect to the top strap portion to a degree sufficient to precludeinterference with operation of the connecting means, said meanscomprising a protuberance extending into the interior of said belt linkfrom the under surface of one of said strap portions, said protuberanceterminating, initially, short of contact with the other strap portion,but extending a distance sufficient to preclude binding of saidconnecting means when said other strap portion deforms during use to apoint at which it contacts said protuberance.
 6. The high temperatureconveyor belt of claim 5 further characterized in that said protuberanceis substantially circular in cross section.
 7. A high temperatureconveyor belt link, said belt link including an upper strap portion anda lower strap portion, said upper and lower strap portions beingconnected by generally arcuate shaped journal portions to define an openinterior, said upper strap portion having an upper surface constructedand arranged to receive and support loads placed thereon, said belt linkbeing adapted to receive common connecting means, such as a link pin, atits end portions whereby a plurality of similar belt links can beconnected one to the other to form a combined assemblage, and means forpreventing deformation of a bottom strap portion with respect to the topstrap portion to a degree sufficient to hinder operation of theconnecting means, said deformation preventing means including aprotuberance which is elongated in a direction parallel to a lineextending between the journal portions of the link integrally formedwith and extending from one of said strap portions into the interior ofsaid belt link toward the other of said strap portions, saidprotuberance terminating, initially, short of contact with the otherstrap portion, but extending toward said other strap portion a distancesufficient to preclude binding of said connecting means when said otherstrap portion deforms during use to a point at which it contacts saidprotuberance.
 8. The high temperature conveyor belt link of claim 7further characterized in that the length of said protuberance isapproximately one-third the length of the major axis of the belt link.9. The high temperature conveyor belt link of claim 8 furthercharacterized in that said protuberance is substantially rectangular incross section.
 10. The high temperature conveyor belt link of claim 8further characterized in that said protuberance extends from the innersurface of said upper strap portion towards the inner surface of thebottom strap portion to a point closely spaced from said inner surfaceof said lower strap portion.
 11. The high temperature conveyor belt linkof claim 7 further characterized in that the protuberance is locatedsubstantially mid-way between the sides of the associated strap portion,whereby a substantially centrally located gating area is available onthe surface of the strap portion opposite the surface from which theprotuberance extends.
 12. In a high temperature conveyor belt, aplurality of conveyor belt links, each of said individual belt linkshaving an upper strap portion, and a lower strap portion, said upper andlower strap portions being connected by generally arcuate shaped journalportions to define an open interior, said upper strap portion having anupper surface constructed and arranged to receive and support loadsplaced thereon, each belt link being adapted to receive commonconnecting means, such as a link pin, at its end portions whereby aplurality of similar belt links can be connected one to the other toform a combined assemblage, means for preventing deformation of a bottomstrap portion with respect to the top strap portion to a degreesufficient to preclude interference with operation of the connectingmeans, said means comprising a protuberance which is elongated in adirection parallel to a line extending between the journal portions ofthe link and extends into the interior of said belt link from the undersurface of one of said strap portions, and a plurality of link pinsconnecting the links, by their journal portions, end to end to form anorbital, endless belt.
 13. The high temperature conveyor belt of claim12 further characterized in that said protuberance is substantiallylonger in one direction than in a transverse direction in section. 14.The high temperature conveyor belt of claim 13 further characterized inthat said protuberance is substantially rectangular in cross section andextends from the inner surface of said upper strap portion towards theinner surface of the bottom strap portion to a point closely spaced fromsaid inner surface of said lower strap portion.